A former trainee doctor at North Devon District Hospital, Salil Korambayil, appeared in Truro Crown Court today and has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for rape and a further 12 months for unlawful use of data. Reporting restrictions on the case have now been lifted and we are glad we can now give more information.

Salil Korambayil’s fundamental abuse of the trust everyone should have in healthcare professionals is appalling. It has had terrible consequences for two women who bravely told their stories to secure his conviction and imprisonment for rape.

We have contacted the patients whose records were accessed, and the police have provided their assurance that Salil Korambayil did not share personal information onwards with others.

When the initial allegations were first reported, it was quickly escalated within the Trust and to the necessary regulatory bodies. He was suspended pending a police investigation and never returned to work for us.

We have strengthened our data security training and processes. We have also commissioned an external review to consider whether there are any other practical steps we can take to help prevent anything like this happening again. In line with our commitment to openness and transparency, this report will be shared at our public board in September and on our website.

This case highlights the importance of zero tolerance to inappropriate behaviour and harassment, and through our Sexual Safety Charter and Freedom to Speak Up Guardians we are encouraging our staff to feel safe to speak up and report concerns.

A helpline has been set up for anybody who would like further support. It can be contacted on 01271 335773 and is open on Friday 30 August from 8am-6pm, and from Monday 2 September to Friday 6 September from 8am to 6pm.